Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

CHILLICOTHE — It might have been win No. 9 on the season, but it was even more significant for the Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers’ program.

The Lady Fighting Tigers improved to 9-11 on the season with a 50-42 win over the Chillicothe Lady Cavaliers on Thursday, and with the victory came the program’s 400th career win.

Ironton coach Doug Graham praised his young team for adjusting to the variety of defenses used by the Lady Cavaliers.

“I like how my girls responded to Chillicothe throwing a few different defenses at us,” said Graham.

Ironton jumped in front 18-7 at the end of the first quarter, but Chillicothe outscored the Lady Tigers 14-7 in the second quarter and cut the deficit to 25-21 at the break.

The Lady Fighting Tigers responded by outscoring the Lady Cavaliers 16-9 in the third quarter to extend the lead to 41-30.

“We came out aggressive and moving the ball and finding the open girls for high percentage shots which allowed us to extend the lead a little,” said Graham.

Chillicothe cut into the lead in the fourth quarter by outscoring Ironton 12-9, but the Lady Tigers went 4-for-4 at the foul line over the final minute of the game to secure the win.

Lexie Barrier scored a game-high 21 points to lead three players in double figures for Ironton. Macy Wise and Alyssa Lewis scored 10 points each.

Chillicothe (7-10) was led by Shay Lett with 14 points. Jasmine Jordan scored 12 and Bri Dawes had 10.

Ironton hosts Oak Hill at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Lady Oaks are 16-1 and currently ranked No. 3 in the Associated Press poll.

Ironton 18 7 16 9 = 50

Chillicothe 7 14 9 12 = 42

IRONTON (9-11): Jordan Hannan 2, Taylor Hannan 0, Lexie Barrier 21, Macy Wise 10, Karlie Rase 1, Alyssa Lewis 10, Cheyenne Scott 6. Totals: 15 4 8-14 50. Fouls: 16. Fouled out: None.

CHILLICOTHE (7-10): Shay Lett 14, Bri Dawes 10, Haylee Large 3, Essence Devlin 3, Jasmine Jordan 12. Totals: 9 5 9-16 42. Fouls: 14. Fouled out: None.